M1A Reloading

[gunslingerblue]

I have a new "used" M1A, was told it has less than 200 rounds through it. According by serial number it is a 2005 model year, scout squad.

I sat down to load up some rounds for it and found that my once fired brass cases, some LC, some Indian .308 were pushing 2.025-2.029 , while max is 2.015 and trim to is 2.005. My unfired round case length is running 2.005.

Is this normal to have that much case strech from one firing? I have been reloading my ARs and .45's for a while and the .308 round is new to me.

I did search and have not found any conclusive answer, your thoughts and input would be appreciated. I am concerned that there is something wrong with my chamber or timing (like I know what that is...!).

Thanks,

 

[USSR]

gunslingerblue,

I have found many times, that trimming is required after after the first firing, and then not again until several other firings have taken place. The 2.025-2.029 length is after the brass has been full length resized, correct?

Don

 

[Birddog1911]

The M14 platform does stretch the brass a bit. The aggressive and rapid ejection is rough on the brass. Since you're new to loading for this platform, think 3 reloads on the brass and throw it away. Good general rule. Be sure to get a broken shell extractor.

The most important thing about reloading for the M1A is to have proper headspace. Be sure to get a headspace case gage, and use it. I generally check the first case every time I set the die in the press, and about every 50 or so to make sure that the die hasn't slipped.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=880646

Edited to add: It is important on the M1/M14 platform that you trim every single time, because of the stretch. To not do so is to invite potential disaster.

 

[FlyinBryan]

that seems a little excessive, but i have found once fired commercial brass to run a little long before.

if its just once fired, size it, trim it, load it and fire, and see what the next round of sizing stretches it to.

make sure to note the length you trim to on this first reloading, so after your first firing you can then definitivly know how much they stretch with your next full length sizing.

ps, you might get more action in the handloading section of this site.

 

[gunslingerblue]

Thank you all,

I did not see the Handloading section, my bad.

The case length is before I resize, I just thought that was alot for one firing, I am using mil-surp LC ammo at this point, I have not fired any commerical in it yet.

I will repost this in the Handloading section if that is okay.

Thank you!

 

[Mal H]

Continued here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=523515